Altus Rise Ascension Chardonnay 2024
- 94
- $55
- Drink by: 2025-2033
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This superb Margaret River Chardonnay is a barrel selection, from their quality French oak barrels, which saw regular lees stirring as it matured in those vessels. A straw yellow, at this early stage, it is that quality oak which makes most of an impression with cashew notes, toast and hints of nutmeg. The integration is proceeding extremely well. In addition, there are touches of stone fruits, especially peaches, a dash of citrus and hints of ginger. The creamiest of textures here, this is densely flavoured with a fine line of acidity, good balance and seriously impressive length. A cracking Marg River Chardy with richness and ripeness, this will drink beautifully over the next six to eight years, during which it will surely improve further, especially as the oak is finally fully melded.
Ken was born and bred in Brisbane, Queensland. He had a non-trendy, perfectly happy childhood, in a family convinced alcohol meant instant condemnation to Hades. But a break fishing on the Great Barrier Reef, and some good wine, started a serious obsession that eventually took over. It did not stop Ken being chastised later for drinking Pol champagne, disgusted he’d drink anything made by a Cambodian dictator. Now, Ken mostly writes on wine, champagne and spirits for various newspapers, magazines and books, but is perhaps best known for his work in The Courier Mail. He also has a little sideline writing on cigars, fishing, travel and food. When not writing, fly-fishing for trout in NZ or bonefish on the flats of Cuba, travelling or smoking cigars, he is no doubt following a variety of sporting teams – the occasionally glorious Queensland Reds rugby, the dysfunctional Washington Redskins, the dodgy Arsenal and especially revels in the world restored to its proper axis with the return of the Ashes to their rightful home.
